Ourense history

The origins of Ourense are inextricably linked to the era of the Roman Empire. The city was founded in the 1st century AD, and its emergence was predetermined by the presence of unique hot springs, known today as As Burgas. The Romans, who highly valued thermal culture, established a settlement here that became an important stronghold in the region.

There are two main theories regarding the origin of the city's name: from the Latin aquae urentes ("scalding waters") or from the word aurum (gold), as in ancient times the Miño River was rich in this precious metal.

The development of Ourense from a small settlement into a significant urban centre relied on several foundations, the most important of which was the construction of the Roman Bridge (Ponte Vella) across the Miño River. The bridge transformed the city into a key transport hub, connecting trade routes between important Roman cities — Bracara Augusta (Braga) and Asturica Augusta (Astorga). Thanks to the crossing and gold mining, the city quickly became a centre of commerce, attracting merchants and artisans.

By the early Middle Ages, Ourense had strengthened its position not only as a trading centre but also as a political one. In the 5th–6th centuries, during the Migration Period, the city became the capital of the Suebi Kingdom for a certain period. This granted it high administrative status and contributed to the development of early Christian culture and architecture, laying the foundation for future prosperity.

Key Events in the History of Ourense

• 1st Century AD — The Romans establish a settlement around the As Burgas hot springs and build the first bridge across the Miño River to connect trade routes.
• 5th–6th Centuries — The city becomes the residence of the Suebi kings, acquiring the status of an important political centre in early medieval Galicia.
• 1071 — King Sancho II grants the city special privileges (fueros), initiating its restoration and settlement after a period of raids.
• 1188 — The main altar of the Cathedral of San Martiño is consecrated; its construction defined the architectural appearance of the centre.
• 13th Century — Bishop Lorenzo organises a large-scale reconstruction of the Roman Bridge (Ponte Vella), giving it the characteristic features of medieval architecture.
• 1467 — During the Irmandiño revolt, citizens capture and destroy the Ramirosa fortress, rising up against feudal arbitrariness.
• 1833 — As a result of Spain's administrative reform, Ourense officially receives the status of the capital of the province of the same name.
• 1881 — The opening of the railway connection links the city with Vigo and Madrid, giving a powerful boost to economic development.
• 1918 — The New Bridge (Ponte Nova) is put into operation, significantly relieving transport pressure on the ancient crossing.
• 1975 — The Old Town of Ourense is declared a Historic-Artistic Ensemble, ensuring state protection for its monuments.
• 1990 — The founding of the university campus, which became part of the University of Vigo, transforms the city into a modern educational hub for the region.

Stages of Urban and Cultural Development

The development of Ourense is the story of the transformation of an ancient settlement by a river crossing into a modern administrative and tourist centre of Galicia. Each era has left its mark on the layout of the streets and the economic way of life of the citizens.

• Construction of the Cathedral (12th–13th Centuries)
  The erection of the Cathedral of San Martiño became the urban-forming factor of medieval Ourense. A dense labyrinth of streets of the old town formed around the temple, where trade and religious life were concentrated, cementing the city's status as the spiritual centre of the region.
• Obtaining Provincial Capital Status (1833)
  The administrative reform of Javier de Burgos made Ourense the management centre of a vast territory. This led to the growth of the bureaucratic apparatus, the emergence of a new urban bourgeoisie, and the construction of administrative buildings that expanded the boundaries of the historic centre.
• Railway Boom (Late 19th Century)
  The arrival of the railway in 1881 brought the city out of geographical isolation. Ourense became a key logistical hub connecting the Atlantic coast with central Spain (Castile), which gave a powerful impetus to trade and the export of agricultural produce and livestock.
• Urban Leap Across the River (Early 20th Century)
  The construction of the New Bridge (Ponte Nova) in 1918 allowed the city to cross the natural boundary of the Miño River. This opened the way for the development of the northern bank and the formation of the A Ponte district, which eventually became an important residential and commercial zone where the railway station was later located.
• Industrialisation and Demographic Growth (1960s–1970s)
  The creation of industrial zones (polygons), such as San Cibrao das Viñas, transformed the city's economy. Ourense became a centre of attraction for residents of rural areas, leading to active housing construction and the expansion of the city limits.
• Creation of the University Campus (1990)
  Integration into the University of Vigo system rejuvenated the city. The arrival of thousands of students stimulated the development of the service sector, culture, and rental housing, and also contributed to the modernisation of urban infrastructure and the creation of new public spaces.
• "Thermal Capital" Strategy (21st Century)
  A large-scale project to improve the banks of the Miño River and reconstruct the hot spring zones (Outariz, Chavasqueira) reoriented the city towards health and wellness tourism. This created the unique brand of Ourense as the main thermal resort of Galicia.
• Inclusion in the AVE Network (2021)
  The launch of high-speed railway communication with Madrid (travel time reduced to just over 2 hours) opened a new chapter in the city's economy, turning it into the main "gateway" to Galicia for tourists and businesses from the Spanish capital.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Ourense is a harmonious intertwining of Roman engineering heritage, stern medieval monumentality, and the elegance of Galician Baroque. The city developed around hot springs and a strategic crossing over the Miño River, which defined its layout: a dense, intricate historical core on the southern bank and spacious modern districts that stepped across the river in the 20th century.

Eras and Key Styles

• Romanesque Style and Transition to Gothic (12th–13th Centuries)
  The dominant monument of this era is the Cathedral of San Martiño. It is a rare example of a fortress-temple with battlements and thick walls, designed for defence. Inside the cathedral is the famous Pórtico del Paraíso (Portico of Paradise) — a masterpiece of late Romanesque sculpture with Gothic influence, preserving its original vibrant polychromy.
• Renaissance (16th Century)
  The Renaissance brought humanistic proportions to the stern granite city. A vivid example is the Cloister of the Monastery of San Francisco (Claustro de San Francisco). Its graceful arcades and capitals with floral motifs create an atmosphere of tranquillity and light, contrasting with the massiveness of earlier structures.
• Galician Baroque (17th–18th Centuries)
  Ourense is rich in examples of this lavish style, adapted to the hard local granite. The concave façade of the Church of Santa Eufemia demonstrates the skill of the stonemasons of that time. In civil architecture, the Pazo de Oca-Valladares stands out — a noble mansion with heraldic shields and balconies, now serving as a cultural centre.
• Modernism and Eclecticism (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)
  With the growth of the bourgeoisie and the expansion of the city beyond the old walls, the shopping street Rúa do Paseo began to be built up. Buildings appeared here with ornate façades, bay windows, wrought-iron balconies, and rich decor inspired by the Vienna Secession and Madrid architecture of that time.
• Contemporary Architecture and Engineering (20th–21st Centuries)
  A new stage of the city's development was marked by bold engineering solutions. The symbol of modern Ourense became the Millennium Bridge (Ponte do Milenio), opened in 2001. Its futuristic form with a wave-like pedestrian walkway rising to a height of 22 metres has become a new architectural landmark over the Miño River.

A feature of Ourense's urban planning is the integration of thermal zones into the urban environment. A long green corridor has been created along the Miño River, where landscape design is combined with bathing pavilions, uniting urbanism with the natural landscape.

Distinguished Personalities of Ourense

Ourense is rightfully called the "city of intellectuals" — many key figures of Galician culture, literature, and social thought were born and worked here. Their legacy is captured in street names, monuments, and the cultural code of the city.

• Benito Jerónimo Feijoo (1676–1764)
  Benedictine monk, philosopher, and educator
  One of the central figures of the Spanish Enlightenment. Although born in the suburbs, his life was closely connected to the region. His statue occupies a place of honour in the centre of Ourense, symbolising the triumph of reason and science over superstition.
• Valentín Lamas Carvajal (1849–1906)
  Journalist and poet
  A pioneer of Galician journalism and founder of the first weekly newspaper in history written entirely in the Galician language ("O Tío Marcos d'a Portela"). He played a crucial role in the revival of regional self-awareness in the 19th century.
• Vicente Risco (1884–1963)
  Writer, ethnographer, and politician
  A key ideologue of Galician nationalism and a member of the famous intellectual circle "Generation Nós". His works laid the theoretical foundation for modern Galician identity.
• Ramón Otero Pedrayo (1888–1976)
  Geographer, writer, and orator
  Called the "patriarch of Galician literature", he was a prominent intellectual of the 20th century. His works cover geography, history, and fiction, deeply exploring the soul of Galicia.
• Eduardo Blanco Amor (1897–1979)
  Writer and journalist
  Author of the famous novel A Esmorga, the action of which takes place on the streets of Ourense. The book is considered a masterpiece of Galician literature and an essential guide to the "literary geography" of the city.
• José Ángel Valente (1929–2000)
  Poet and essayist
  One of the most significant Spanish poets of the second half of the 20th century, a laureate of the Prince of Asturias Award. His deep, philosophical lyricism received international acclaim, bringing fame to his hometown.
• Yosi Domínguez (born 1948)
  Rock musician and poet
  The permanent leader of the legendary hard rock group Los Suaves. The band became a musical symbol of Ourense, and Yosi's lyrics often reflect the melancholic and rebellious spirit of the city. One of the city squares is named in his honour.